The Gate 14 Podcast is a Toronto Blue Jays Podcast with three hosts, Johnny Giunta. Avery Chenier, and Jeremy Roach. The channel started a year and a half ago and has grown across the Toronto Blue Jays community ever since. Gate 14 is active on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcast, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram. Their success isn’t by chance, as they have implemented a strategy to gain brand awareness. Gate 14 uses the form of a social media calendar. As mentioned in one of the readings, a social media calendar is a well-thought-out overview of when and where brands release their content. The calendar varies depending on the platform. Gate 14 has seen the benefits of distributing content specific to each platform. They figured out the type of audiences and what they were looking for across each platform. As mentioned in a different reading, figuring out the answers to open-ended questions about the benefits of your content can help you identify subject matter experts (SMEs). Their content revolves around their podcast, available on Spotify and Apple Podcast.
On these platforms, the content is based on breaking down what is trending for the Toronto Blue Jays. During the six-month season, they upload twice a week, once on a Monday and the other on a Thursday or Friday. Both episodes revolve around the series the Blue Jays partake in. In baseball, a team plays two series a week, the first between Monday and Thursday and the second from Friday to Sunday. They are aware that releasing the content as soon as possible is beneficial. It is a great strategy to upload the podcast the day after the series is complete. The thoughts and talking points of each series are still fresh in the Blue Jays community by the time each episode is released. Their Twitter following receives a different form of content but remains consistent on the social media calendar.
Guest speaker Brooke Ihnat mentioned how the content should differ across each social media platform. The Gate 14 Twitter account is active throughout every Blue Jays game to discuss what is happening. During the game, The Gate 14 Twitter account will express their thoughts just as any passionate fan would. Their content is authentic based on their reactions and dedication to remain consistent. They also run their own social media accounts, as they’ve admitted on several occasions, often interacting with fans through direct messages, replies, and retweets. Guest speaker Brooke Ihnat also spoke on the idea of manual posting. The Gate 14 boys also edit their podcasts. They have built a community online, making friends with some Blue Jays’ players and journalists. As someone who has been a part of their audience since the beginning, it has been amazing to see their growth. One of the biggest reasons for their growth is how relatable they are to a younger demographic. Brooke Ihnat also emphasized the importance of the audience’s experiences. As part of the audience, it was easy for me to relate to their content, as I am also a massive Toronto Blue Jays fan who enjoys the joy and struggles of a season. They make me feel a part of the Gate 14 experience.
